Those who have seen a harpy eagle in the wild can consider themselves extremely lucky. The harpy eagle, the second-largest bird in the planet, hides within the more dense forests of Central and South America, procreate only once every four or five years, and they build their nests hidden in trees above 25-30 meters (80-100 feet), so seeing them is nearly impossible.

Harpy eagle - Photo by: David Medina

This is why the news of finding an active Harpy Eagle nest with a chick is just stunning. This is the first nest found in Honduras, and the third documented throughout Central and North of Panama. Other places where these nests have been seen are Guatemala and Belize.

Harpy eagle - Photo by: David Medina

Patuca National Park in Eastern Honduras, the largest protected area in the country (375,584 hectares : 928,088 acres), created in december 1999, is one of many tropical protected areas where intense preservation projects are taking place, and despite the lack of adequate funding, a handful of scientists conscious and nature enthusiasts, who are part of both Honduran and foreign entities have been conducting important conservation and reforestation efforts which are worthy of praise.

Harpy eagle - Photo by: David Medina

The sighting of this harpy eagle and her newborn has risen the villagers 'pride', increasing conservation awareness among the residents of the surrounding area as well. This important event is a gratifying sign that the continuing efforts of the agencies responsible for the preservation of the area are being productive, since it is well known by experts that the harpy eagle needs at least 150Km2(58 square miles) of lush forest free of human contact in order to survive.